Give them their voice

Sir - I refer to the article by Brendan O'Connor, 'They are the voiceless, let's give them a voice' (Sunday Independent, May 22). In the article, Brendan speaks about the thousands in our society who can very easily become invisible if we allow it. People who have a physical, sensory and or intellectual disability have a constant battle to get basic services such as speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy.

'People who have a physical, sensory and or intellectual disability have a constant battle to get basic services such as speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy' Stock photo: Depositphotos

Sir - I refer to the article by Brendan O'Connor, 'They are the voiceless, let's give them a voice' (Sunday Independent, May 22). In the article, Brendan speaks about the thousands in our society who can very easily become invisible if we allow it. People who have a physical, sensory and or intellectual disability have a constant battle to get basic services such as speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy.

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Give them their voice

Independent.ie

Sir - I refer to the article by Brendan O'Connor, 'They are the voiceless, let's give them a voice' (Sunday Independent, May 22). In the article, Brendan speaks about the thousands in our society who can very easily become invisible if we allow it. People who have a physical, sensory and or intellectual disability have a constant battle to get basic services such as speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy.

The sad thing about this article is that I could have written it in the 1990s. I have been working with children and adults with disabilities for 30 years. While each new government may change the picture slightly, the resources are no different today. I truly believe that if it's not an election issue then it's not an issue. I believe to understand you must try and walk in their shoes and those of their parents.

I have a challenge for everyone reading this A) At sometime during the week for about 20/30 minutes tie your hands behind your back, maybe close your mouth tightly, then express to your family what you need to do tomorrow at work or school.

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